Kapp Putsch

Definition

The Kapp Putsch was a failed coup attempt that took place in Germany in March 1920, aimed at overthrowing the Weimar Republic and establishing a right-wing government. It was led by Wolfgang Kapp and supported by elements of the military and the Freikorps, which were paramilitary groups formed after World War I. The putsch highlighted the instability of the Weimar Republic, the threat posed by right-wing extremism, and set a precedent for further political violence in Germany during this tumultuous period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Kapp Putsch began on March 13, 1920, when right-wing elements seized Berlin and attempted to install Wolfgang Kapp as chancellor.
2. The coup was met with a general strike by workers throughout Germany, which effectively paralyzed the country and demonstrated widespread opposition to the putsch.
3. Despite the initial success of seizing control of Berlin, the Kapp Putsch quickly fell apart due to lack of popular support and the strike's impact on essential services.
4. The failure of the putsch showed the vulnerabilities of the Weimar Republic, as it could not rely on its own military forces to quell such uprisings.
5. The Kapp Putsch contributed to the radicalization of political factions in Germany, as both left and right-wing groups became more emboldened in their attempts to seize power.

Review Questions

• What were the immediate causes that led to the Kapp Putsch, and how did they reflect the broader tensions within post-World War I Germany?
  • The immediate causes of the Kapp Putsch included dissatisfaction among military factions and right-wing groups who opposed the Treaty of Versailles and perceived weaknesses in the Weimar government. Economic instability and social unrest also contributed to these tensions. The putsch reflected broader societal divisions, where many Germans felt betrayed by their government after World War I, leading to a volatile environment where extremist actions like coups could be attempted.
• Discuss the significance of the general strike that followed the Kapp Putsch and its impact on the Weimar Republic's ability to govern.
  • The general strike that erupted in response to the Kapp Putsch was significant because it showcased the power of organized labor and the willingness of ordinary citizens to resist attempts at authoritarian takeover. The strike effectively paralyzed Berlin and demonstrated popular support for democracy against extremist threats. This event underscored the fragility of the Weimar Republic, revealing that it relied heavily on public support to maintain order and legitimacy.
• Evaluate how the failure of the Kapp Putsch set a precedent for future political violence in Germany during the Weimar Republic era and its influence on Hitler's rise.
  • The failure of the Kapp Putsch set a dangerous precedent as it illustrated how easily right-wing factions could challenge democratic institutions without immediate repercussions. This emboldened other extremist groups, including those aligned with Adolf Hitler, who learned from these earlier events. As political violence became normalized during this period, it created an environment where radical groups could gain traction and ultimately contributed to Hitler's rise by demonstrating that decisive action could lead to significant political change, even through undemocratic means.

Related terms

Weimar Republic: The democratic government established in Germany after World War I, lasting from 1919 until the rise of the Nazi regime in 1933.

Freikorps: Paramilitary groups composed mainly of World War I veterans, who were often involved in right-wing nationalist activities and opposed to leftist movements.

Article 48: A provision in the Weimar Constitution that allowed the president to rule by decree in times of emergency, which was exploited during political crises.